Late Finnish president's belief that 'every conflict could be solved' especially relevant today: PM Lee
Finland's former president Martti Ahtisaari attends the 2009 World Leaders Forum at Columbia University in New York on Sep 21, 2009. (File Photo: Reuters/Eric Thayer)
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SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has paid tribute to Finland's former president Martti Ahtisaari, who died at the age of 86 last Monday (Oct 16).
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing," said PM Lee in a condolence letter to Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Oct 20. The letter was made public by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Oct 23.
"As the first popularly elected President of Finland, Mr Ahtisaari demonstrated his steadfast leadership and political acumen as he led Finland through some of its toughest times, and to Finland’s accession into the EU," wrote Mr Lee.
Mr Ahtisaari was Finland's 10th president from 1994 to 2000, and was known for brokering peace in conflict zones in Kosovo, Indonesia and Northern Ireland.
The former UN diplomat was credited with overseeing the 2005 reconciliation of the Indonesian government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, bringing an end to a three-decade conflict in which an estimated 15,000 people died.
Mr Ahtisaari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his work.
In 2021, it was announced that the former Finnish president had Alzheimer's disease and he withdrew from public life.
"He contributed to the resolution of conflicts in different continents over several decades," said Mr Lee, adding that he was a well-respected international statesman.
"His firm belief that ‘every conflict could be solved’ is especially relevant for the tumultuous times we find ourselves in today."
Mr Lee recalled his meeting with Mr Ahtisaari in 1995 during his visit to Singapore - the first by a Finnish president - where he "benefitted greatly" from the former president's insights into geopolitical developments around the world.
"My thoughts are with the Finnish people and Mr Ahtisaari’s family during this difficult time," said Mr Lee.
"Mr Ahtisaari continues to inspire through the Crisis Mediation Initiative that he set up and his passing will be deeply felt throughout the world."
